I deserve this punishment: Pattinson

Paceman James Pattinson today said he deserved axing from the side for his disrespectful ways and those who are criticising the decision, do not understand the new culture the team is trying to build.

Pattinson and three others were dropped for the third Test after they failed to make a presentation on how they can improve their performance, to coach Mickey Arthur.

"It shows a lack of respect to the coach, the captain as well, and the rest of the team. I know if I was in their position, as a team member, I'd be quite disappointed in them for being a bit selfish," Pattinson was quoted as saying by Australian media.

Shane Watson had reacted to the punishment by flying back to Australia even as the team management said it should not be linked with his axing as he wanted to be with his wife, who was expecting.

Watson even said that he was contemplating his future but Pattinson said what they did was unacceptable.

"People talk about it as a harsh punishment but looking deeply into it you realise probably it’s not. If you want to be part of the Australian cricket team you have to do everything right. It's not acceptable. I believe it's the right punishment," the tall paceman added.

He said it initially it was difficult for him to digest the sacking but he realised he does not need to make any excuses.

"You've got to do everything right. It wasn't hard for the other 12 blokes to get it in on time and they took the time out to really reflect and do what's best for the team whereas us four didn't.

Right now I'm still hurting about it but in the long run I think it’s going to make us a better team," he said. A battery of former cricketers including Shane Warne, Michael Vaughan, Dean Jones, Mark Waugh and Steve Waugh have criticised the axing move by Arthur but Pattinson said the times had changed on and off the field.

"They're entitled to their opinion and a lot of the players that are saying that were great players and they probably didn't have to deal with this stuff because they were in a period of time when they were on top of the world really," he said.

"We're in a different position. We're trying to build a culture. We've got a lot of young guys. I think other people are starting to come around a bit more and understand the reasons behind it. We're trying to build this culture and I think it sends good messages to everyone out there that we are really trying to improve," he reasoned.

Pattinson said he was aware of the deadline for the task and it was something he could have done easily.

"He (coach Arthur) wanted it in by Saturday night and it was one of those things where I didn't put in 100 per cent for the team, it was part forgetting and at this level you can't forget," he said.

"It's pretty cut throat and personally not good enough. It wasn't a hard task at all and it was something that was very valuable for the team going forward.

It comes down to preparation for a Test, you can prepare in the nets and the batting, bowling and fielding but preparing off the field as well is just as important as well. It comes down to not preparing well enough for the next Test."

Asked what was the mood in the Australian camp after the unprecedented axing of the players, Pattinson said, "I think everyone in the team has really gelled together. As a team we have done well, addressed the matter front on. We have talked about it and put it behind us.

"Going by training sessions yesterday and today, we are all in good spirits. Obviously, from my point of view, it is disappointing that I am not playing (in third Test). I would have loved to be out there playing, but again it is in the best interests of the team. And I accept that."

Asked about captain Michael Clarke's assertion that the dropping of the quartet was a result of many things put together, Pattinson said, "It's not massive things.

Sometimes it is being late, you can give fines. The worse thing is being excluded from the team and excluded from a Test and that's what hurts the most.

"We've got this in our heads that we are together as a team and pushing for success. So it's not massive things, but one percentage if we are not getting right, we are not going to get that one percentage right on field either," he said.
The 22-year-old paceman said he would learn from the mistake and being young would also help him do so.

"The way I have conducted myself over the past five days obviously you can change things by taking responsibility and learning from your mistakes. I am glad it has happened to me at a young age because I can learn from that. You know, if I was 30 or bit older, I would be questioning myself.

"I am younger and I can learn from this and take it in my stride. I think the team can do the same. Everyone can use it as a warning, no complacency because at the moment we are not getting results. As long as we can address this, we can push forward," he said.

Asked if he felt that Clarke has changed as a captain after this incident, Pattinson said, "We've got great respect for Michael, his leadership is very selfless, he puts team first before himself. One the field, his leadership is fantastic. His personal performances have been amazing during the last one year. He has led from the front."